Eileen Francis Sellers

fter a brief illness, Eileen Frances Sellers, age 102, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburg NY.

Eileen grew up in Parishville, the daughter of John and Mary Lavine. She was the oldest of seven children, with three brothers and three sisters. Her father, John was a farmer, and her mother, affectionately known as “Mamie,” was a teacher and homemaker. Eileen cherished her childhood on the family farm at Wildwood and often recalled with joy the happy times spent sitting beside her father in a horse-pulled buggy as he delivered milk to the neighbors. Eileen was an excellent student. She graduated from Potsdam High School and began her college education at what is now the SUNY Potsdam. During her freshman year, she met the love of her life, Benjamin Sellers. They married soon after, and made their home in Potsdam, where they raised their family of eight children. A devoted lifelong learner, Eileen returned to college in her fifties to complete her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, which was remarkable given the challenges of being a truly “senior” student.

Eileen had many interests and talents. She loved antiquing and assembled impressive collections of copper, old tin, and early American collectibles. She was also an accomplished artist. Her work was featured in several art exhibits, including a one-woman art show. She delighted in sending hand-painted greeting cards to family and friends for special occasions, many of which were lovingly framed by their recipients.

Music was another lifelong passion. In high school, Eileen played the clarinet and was a member of the marching band. During her early years as a mother and homemaker, she taught herself to play piano and became highly proficient. Later in life, well into her eighties, she took up the fiddle. She shared her love of music by playing with a small group of musicians at assisted living and nursing homes, bringing joy and comfort to residents through music.

Eileen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Benjamin, and her sons Russell, Benjamin, Francis, and Daniel. She is survived by her sons, Larry and David (Donna); her daughters, Ann Mahoney (Ed) and Marybeth Scheidegger (John); and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Eileen spent the last five years of her life at the Samuel Vilas Home in Plattsburg, where she was treated with the utmost respect and consideration. She was beloved and cared for like family and received heartfelt compassion and kindness throughout her time there.

Eileen was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. She sang in the choir, proudly served as a reader of the Gospel, and supported several Christian charities. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.

Eileen exemplified how to live fully at every age, whether it be through her art, her music, or the simple joy she found in everyday moments. She will be missed deeply, but those who knew her will be forever grateful for the love, the lessons, and indelible memories she bestowed during her remarkable 102 years. A memorial mass in her honor will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam.